The answer is that the VTEP has not learned any MAC addresses. This is because Type-3 routes are generated automatically when an EVPN VNI is configured, regardless of any MAC learning, while Type-2 routes are only created after the VTEP learns MAC addresses from data-plane traffic or local endpoints. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of the BGP EVPN control plane and the conditions that trigger different route types. A common trap is assuming Type-2 routes should appear immediately after VNI configuration, but they depend entirely on MAC learning occurring first. Remember the memory tip: Type-3 is automatic, Type-2 needs a MAC to attach to.
350-601 Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An engineer is troubleshooting BGP EVPN control plane. They issue 'show bgp l2vpn evpn' and see Type-3 routes but no Type-2 routes for any VNI. Which condition is most likely?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The VTEP has not learned any MAC addresses
Type-3 routes (Inclusive Multicast Ethernet Tag routes) are generated automatically when an EVPN VNI is configured, regardless of MAC learning. Type-2 routes (MAC/IP Advertisement routes) are only generated after the VTEP learns MAC addresses from data-plane traffic or from local endpoints. The absence of Type-2 routes with Type-3 present indicates the VTEP has not yet learned any MAC addresses for that VNI.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The VTEP has not learned any MAC addresses
Why this is correct
Type-2 routes carry MAC/IP information. Without any MACs learned, no Type-2 routes are generated.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The overlay VNI is not mapped to a VLAN
Why it's wrong here
If VNI is not mapped to a VLAN, Type-3 routes would also not appear for that VNI (but Type-3 may be seen for other VNIs).
✗
The BGP neighbor is not from the same AS
Why it's wrong here
BGP neighbor AS mismatch would prevent all route exchange, including Type-3.
✗
The EVPN address-family is not enabled
Why it's wrong here
If EVPN address-family were not enabled, no EVPN routes (including Type-3) would be seen.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between control-plane-generated routes (Type-3) and data-plane-triggered routes (Type-2), trapping candidates who assume both route types appear simultaneously upon VNI configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Type-2 routes are generated by the VTEP's control plane when it learns a MAC address via local data-plane snooping (e.g., from an ARP reply or data frame) and installs it into the L2RIB. The VTEP then advertises a Type-2 route per MAC/IP pair. In contrast, Type-3 routes are generated based on the VNI configuration alone, using the originating router's IP as the tunnel endpoint. A common real-world scenario is a newly provisioned EVPN VNI with no active hosts, where Type-3 routes appear immediately but Type-2 routes only appear after traffic begins.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VTEP has not learned any MAC addresses — Type-3 routes (Inclusive Multicast Ethernet Tag routes) are generated automatically when an EVPN VNI is configured, regardless of MAC learning. Type-2 routes (MAC/IP Advertisement routes) are only generated after the VTEP learns MAC addresses from data-plane traffic or from local endpoints. The absence of Type-2 routes with Type-3 present indicates the VTEP has not yet learned any MAC addresses for that VNI.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A network engineer is troubleshooting a VXLAN EVPN problem where some endpoints are not reachable. The output of 'show bgp l2vpn evpn' shows Type-3 routes but no Type-2 routes for a specific VNI. What should the engineer check?
medium
A.The route-target import/export is misconfigured.
B.BGP session is not established.
C.The VNI is not configured under the NVE interface.
✓ D.The VLAN corresponding to the VNI has no active ports.
Why D: Type-3 routes (IMET routes) are used for BUM traffic forwarding and are advertised when the VNI is configured under the NVE interface, even if no endpoints are active. Type-2 routes (MAC/IP advertisement routes) are only generated when the switch learns a MAC address on a VLAN associated with that VNI. If Type-3 routes exist but Type-2 routes are missing, the VNI is correctly configured for the overlay, but no active ports in the corresponding VLAN are learning MAC addresses, preventing Type-2 route generation.
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Question Discussion
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